For New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green, unpacking the current Zion Williamson situation is pretty simple: He was doing the right thing, he just got hurt.
Williamson has yet to play this season, and it’s unclear if or when he will. He’s an otherworldly talent when available, but the fallout of the foot injury he sustained has led to criticism of his weight and the type of teammate he’s believed to be.
But during an appearance on former teammate JJ Redick’s podcast “The Old Man and the Three”, Green explained the messaging he’s given people about Williamson.
“Nobody is more frustrated or disappointed then Zion is because he’s going through it," Green said. "He got hurt trying to prepare for the season. He was in the gym, his weight was down and he was getting it in, and he got hurt. And what I try to get people to understand is he’s 21-years-old. JJ, you and I when we came into the NBA we were 21-22-years-old having gone through four years of college. That’s different.
“I’ve had my discussions with him, he’s extremely frustrated, still going through it now. And expressing it to the team like look, there’s nothing you can do about it, that’s life, that’s part of life, that’s something that he’s navigating. Let’s be there, let’s try to support him, and now, this is our group. And I’ve just kept telling the guys we have more than enough.”
The Pelicans have put up a valiant effort in Williamson’s absence, and are likely to get a spot in the play-in tournament. Getting Williamson back, whether it’s this year or next, will be pivotal for them reaching a higher level.
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